Welcome to SB DBM. We're in agreement with much of what you've posted - I am optimistic that things will turn for the better but it is difficult right now.

The lamest line I've heard attributed to the distributors (from more than a couple of retailers) is they have high prices on items because Washington state hasn't proven enough demand of said products in high enough volumes - Hello Mr. Chicken & Egg...

Seriously, how dumb do the distributors / retailers think consumers are? With a smartphone in just about every pocket, prices are easy to compare and it's obvious we are being ripped off (even before taxes).

In any event, glad to have you here - there is also a "New to SB" forum where people can introduce themselves to the community at large.

02-27-2013, 00:33

ChainWhip

Re: Seattle and Washington Area Thread

Scouted out TotalWine in Bellevue today and there's some new items (prices are inclusive of tax):

Yesterday Total Wine in Bellevue had Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2012 for $49.99 (not including the many taxes) so I picked up a bottle. I'm guessing it just now made it through distribution because I hadn't seen it anywhere in Washington until that moment.

There's also still plenty of the 4RSB OBSK that ChainWhip mentioned earlier for the Daniel's Bourbon Bash, which I am sadly missing this year.

03-08-2013, 12:33

ChainWhip

Seattle and Washington Area Thread

I think that was at least the 2nd distribution to the Bellevue store but I picked up a bottle too.

03-16-2013, 21:48

ChuckBiscuits

Re: Seattle and Washington Area Thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostBottle

The Tukwilla Total Wine also has great customer service, a remarkable change from many of the people I encountered who were on the state payroll.

I have also found this to be true. Genuinely interested employees that want you to have a good retail experience. I don't know enough yet to comment upon their selection, but their beer prices are impossible to best in the area. World class selection, as well. Seattle has a few great "bottle shops", one of which is very close to home--Beer Junction. Bottleworks also deserves mention as being one of the first, and of course Chuck's Hop Shop at 85th and 6th in Ballard. None are cheap, but are certainly dedicated to bringing a huge selection of enthusiast brews to the area.

03-19-2013, 03:54

squire

Re: Seattle and Washington Area Thread

I do favor places where the staff enjoy their work, which make my shopping more pleasant.

04-04-2013, 22:20

derevaun

Re: Seattle and Washington Area Thread

I'm ambivalent but generally optimistic about the change. I used to have to drive to SODO or 7th/Bell to find my fave everyday pours (Old Forester and VOB BIB); now I can run over to Bevmo for Old Forester but have no clue where to find VOB. Anybody know, by the way?

04-04-2013, 22:53

DBM

Re: Seattle and Washington Area Thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by derevaun

I'm ambivalent but generally optimistic about the change. I used to have to drive to SODO or 7th/Bell to find my fave everyday pours (Old Forester and VOB BIB); now I can run over to Bevmo for Old Forester but have no clue where to find VOB. Anybody know, by the way?

I never saw VOB BiB before or after the regulation changes. Might be worth a call to Young's. I've had reasonably good luck talking to distributors about product availability and being directed to retailers who either stock something, or would pick up a new label if there was customer demand.

08-18-2013, 19:07

dementedavenger

Re: Seattle and Washington Area Thread

I wanted to see if I could fire up this thread again with some observations and such...

1. I picked up two bottles of ECBP at BevMo - Northgate on Friday. After tax they were $60 a pop. Not sure if there's anymore out there in the area but this was the third time I've seen it on the shelf at a BevMo.

2. Been seeing plenty of Rock Hill Farm and Weller 12 on the shelf. A lot of folks outside of the area say these area increasingly difficult to find. Of course, due to our taxes, you're going to end up spending $60 to $70 for the Rock Hill Farm and $40 for the Weller 12.

3. QFC at U-Village has a strong selection and decent prices. I've seen some FR Private Barrels pop up there and they've actually got a good bottom shelf selection.

4. Most ridiculous thing I've seen: Central Market in Shoreline is a great local grocery store and they've got a relatively strong bourbon selection all things considered (Smooth Ambler on the shelves). In the "high roller" room where they keep the expensive wine they've also got some whiskey, including about a dozen bottles of Whistle Pig 111 priced to move at ~$175. I get that they compete on price but whoever is doing the buying over the got snowed on this.

5. I recently bought 15+ bottles of bourbon/rye from The Party Source in Kentucky. This was mostly basic stuff like OGD114, AAA10, Willett Rye, etc. but stuff that I can't find here (or find here for a reasonable price). Shipping ended up working out to $4 per bottle. Big-time bargain.

6. Trader Joe's consistently has the best price for Buffalo Trace in the area. I want to say that it's $23.99 before tax but it could be $26.99. Can't remember, but it's cheaper than the chains or other grocery stores.

08-18-2013, 19:49

suntour

Re: Seattle and Washington Area Thread

Any SBers in the Vancouver/Portland metro area?

I wonder if there's anything decent lurking across the border we may not be able to get here. I'd definitely pay the premium to get Weller 12.